Planning your African adventure but overwhelmed by where to base yourself? This guide breaks down the continent’s top accommodation hubs so you can pick the perfect spot before you book. Inside you’ll find the best areas for every type of traveler, key attractions within walking distance, local food scenes, and insider tips from someone who’s explored these destinations firsthand. Africa’s energy hits you differently in each region – from Cairo’s bustling souks to Cape Town’s ocean breezes and Marrakech’s spice-scented alleys.
Best Hotels in Africa🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Silo Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Taj Cape Town
- 🏨 4-Star: Home Suite Hotels Station House
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Garden Court Sandton City
- 💸 Cheap: Hotel Atlas
- 🏢 Apartament: Urban Elephant 16 On Bree
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Esplanade Hermanus
- 🏩 For Couples: Villa Bahati Zanzibar
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
| Best for | Area | Vibe/Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-timers | Cape Town V&A Waterfront | Tourist hub |
| Culture seekers | Marrakech Medina | Historic maze |
| Business travelers | Cairo Zamalek | Upscale island |
| Beach lovers | Stone Town Historic Hotels | Spice coast |
| Safari base | Arusha Safari Lodge Hotels | Wildlife gateway |
| Food enthusiasts | Lagos Victoria Island | Culinary scene |
1. Cape Town V&A Waterfront – Best Place to Stay in Africa for First-Timers
The V&A Waterfront puts you at the heart of Cape Town’s main attractions. Everything feels manageable here, with Table Mountain looming overhead and the harbor buzzing with activity. Most visitors love the mix of shopping, dining, and easy transport connections. As one of the best places to stay in South Africa, this area offers access to a luxurious safari experience, whether you plan to book a nearby safari camp or simply enjoy a prime place to stay in the city.
Why Stay in V&A Waterfront
- Walking distance to Two Oceans Aquarium and Zeitz Museum
- Direct access to Table Mountain cable car (15 minutes)
- Safe area with 24/7 security and well-lit streets
What you’ll experience here
Table Mountain dominates your view from most hotel windows, while seals bark from the harbor below. The Red Bus Hop-on service stops right here, connecting you to Camps Bay beaches (20 minutes) and the city center (10 minutes).
South Africa offers a mix of urban charm and wildlife adventures, with stylish places to stay that serve as gateways to a private game reserve in South or other camps in Africa. In the Western Cape, the province of South Africa is known for its scenic beauty, making it clear why South Africa is one of the continent’s top destinations.
Robben Island ferries depart from the adjacent dock every few hours. The waterfront stays busy until late, with street performers and live music creating a festival atmosphere. After dark, the area remains one of Cape Town’s safest spots for walking.
Best Hotels in Cape Town V&A Waterfront
💎 Luxury Hotel
- The Silo Hotel — Art-filled hotel in historic grain silo with panoramic views and rooftop bar.
- Cape Grace — Timeless luxury hotel with harbor views and Table Mountain backdrop.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Queen Victoria Hotel by NEWMARK — Restored dock building with world-class service and harbor views.
- Radisson RED V&A Waterfront — Art-focused lifestyle hotel with rooftop dining and mountain views.
💶 Smart Budget
- Victoria & Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK — Boutique property with harbor access and 24-hour room service.
2. Marrakech Medina – Top Area to Stay for Culture Seekers
Step into a medieval world where donkeys navigate narrow alleys and the call to prayer echoes off ancient walls. The medina can feel overwhelming at first, but staying inside puts you minutes from Morocco’s most authentic experiences.
For those combining city life with adventure, many travelers plan a luxury safari or game drive afterwards, choosing from the best safari camps and lodges or tents near Victoria Falls. This way, you can enjoy both bustling streets and the calm of Africa’s wilderness in carefully selected camps and lodges.
Sense of place & connections
Jemaa el-Fnaa square pulses with snake charmers and food stalls just 5 minutes from most riads. The souks sprawl in every direction, selling everything from carpets to tagines. Getting lost becomes part of the adventure, though GPS helps when you’re truly stuck. Taxis can’t enter the medina, so expect to walk on cobblestones. The area stays lively until midnight, and locals generally look out for confused tourists after dark.
Why Stay in Marrakech Medina
- Authentic riad experience in traditional courtyard houses
- 2-minute walk to Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
- Immersive cultural experience with local artisans nearby
Best Hotels in Marrakech Medina
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Royal Mansour Marrakech — Royal palace with private riads, underground tunnels and three Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Les Jardins de La Koutoubia — Elegant hotel facing Koutoubia Mosque with pools and spa treatments.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Riad Belleville Marrakech — Boutique riad with fountain courtyard and souk access in 5 minutes.
- Hotel Central Palace — Modern hotel near Koutoubia Mosque with rooftop terrace and city views.
💶 Smart Budget
- Hotel Atlas — Budget-friendly option 328 feet from Jemaa el-Fnaa with restaurant and seating areas.
3. Cairo Zamalek – Best Neighborhood to Stay for Business Travelers
This upscale island in the Nile offers a quieter side of Cairo without losing access to the city’s main sights. International hotels and embassies cluster here, creating a more polished atmosphere than downtown’s chaos.
For travelers planning to explore the wild side of the continent, there are lodges and camps or private game reserves nearby, many featuring a plunge pool or even a private plunge pool. This makes it easy to combine city visits with relaxing stays at some of the best lodges in Africa and other top places to stay in Africa.
Why Stay in Zamalek
- Metro station connects to Tahrir Square in 15 minutes
- Art galleries and cultural centers within walking distance
- Quieter streets with less traffic noise than central Cairo
Day-to-night feel & transport
The Opera House and Cairo Tower anchor this tree-lined district, where you can actually hear birds singing between the traffic. Felucca boats offer sunset rides along the Nile, departing from the corniche 10 minutes away.
The Egyptian Museum sits across the river, reachable by taxi in 20 minutes through Tahrir Bridge. Local cafes serve strong coffee and shisha until late evening. The island feels secure after dark, with police patrols and embassy security creating a protective bubble.
Best Hotels in Cairo Zamalek
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences — Modern riverside suites with rooftop pool and Nile views.
- Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino — Luxury rooms, casino access, and lush garden terraces.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- New President Hotel Cairo — Central Zamalek location with Nile-view rooms and breakfast included.
- Golden Tulip Flamenco Cairo — Contemporary design, rooftop pool, and fine dining restaurant.
💶 Smart Budget
- Zamalek House Hotel — Boutique apartments with private balconies and quick access to cafes.
4. Stone Town Zanzibar – Perfect Spot to Stay for Beach Lovers
This UNESCO World Heritage site combines Swahili, Arab, and colonial architecture into one compact old town. The Indian Ocean laps against coral stone buildings, while spice tours and dhow cruises launch from the waterfront.
Travelers visiting East Africa often combine this cultural experience with a walking safari or family safari, staying in luxury tented camps or some of the best safari lodges in Africa, such as those near Phinda Private Game Reserve. It’s a perfect way to enjoy both historic charm and the best luxury of the region.
Getting around & daily ease
Narrow streets built for foot traffic make cars impossible, so walking becomes your main transport. The House of Wonders and Sultan’s Palace cluster around Creek Road, all within 10 minutes of each other.
This area is considered one of the most beautiful places and wild places in the world, attracting both south africans and visitors alike. Art lovers can explore works by south african artists, while those staying at the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel enjoy easy access to some of the best African cultural and historic sites.
Spice markets fill Darajani area with cardamom and cinnamon scents that follow you home. Prison Island boat trips depart from the main harbor every hour during daylight. The old town stays fairly quiet after 10 PM, though waterfront bars remain open later with decent lighting along main routes.
Why Stay in Stone Town
- Historic boutique hotels in converted palaces
- Ferry connections to mainland Tanzania (2 hours to Dar es Salaam)
- Beach resorts on east coast accessible by taxi (45 minutes)
Best Hotels in Stone Town Zanzibar
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar — Beachfront resort with spa, outdoor pool and seafront dining overlooking Indian Ocean.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Mizingani Seafront Hotel — Beachfront location next to the ferry terminal, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
💶 Smart Budget
- Stone Town House — Budget-friendly waterfront hostel with dorms and private rooms, plus rooftop terrace.
5. Arusha Central – Best Base in Africa for a Safari Trip
Arusha serves as the jumping-off point for Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. The city itself won’t win beauty contests, but staying centrally provides a base from which to explore and puts you close to tour operators and supply shops for your first safari.
For those who’ve never been to Africa, it’s a gateway to some of South Africa’s and Tanzania’s best lodges and camps, offering some of the world’s best views. Arusha is truly one of South Africa’s and East Africa’s most convenient starting points for wildlife adventures.
Why Stay in Arusha Central
- Safari companies cluster around Clock Tower area
- 1-hour drive to Arusha National Park for day trips
- Last chance for reliable internet and banking before safari
Vibe & practicality
The Clock Tower roundabout marks the city center, where safari Land Cruisers queue up each morning like a convoy heading to war. Maasai Market sells colorful crafts and supplies you forgot to pack, operating daily until sunset.
Kilimanjaro Airport sits 45 minutes away by taxi, though most visitors fly into Dar es Salaam first. The Arusha Cultural Heritage Center showcases local art 15 minutes from downtown. Central streets feel safe during daylight hours, but stick to main roads after dark and avoid walking alone.
Many travelers planning to visit in Africa book their accommodation in Africa in advance, choosing a lodge to stay that provides comfort and easy access to wildlife areas across South or along South Africa’s renowned safari routes.
Best Hotels in Arusha Central
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Gran Melia Arusha — Modern resort among coffee plantations with Mount Meru views and spa facilities.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Tulia Retreat and Spa — Lakeside wellness retreat with spa treatments, yoga decks, and garden views.
💶 Smart Budget
- Serengeti Villa Arusha — Cozy villa with safari-style décor, private pool, and Kilimanjaro vistas.
6. Lagos Victoria Island – Great Place to Stay for Food Enthusiasts
Victoria Island represents modern Africa at its most ambitious. Gleaming towers house international banks, while street food vendors serve some of West Africa’s best cuisine right outside luxury hotels. Many travelers combine stays at hotels in Africa with excursions to a luxury safari lodge, enjoying safari activities led by the best guides.
The city mixes contemporary life with historical touches, from Cape Dutch architecture to one of the oldest neighborhoods, offering access to five-star comforts and some of the best camps nearby. For travelers who’ve never been to Africa, it’s a perfect introduction to the continent, with Bantry Bay providing coastal charm and easy access to safari destinations across South Africa where you can encounter the Big Five.
On-the-ground feel & access
Jollof rice and suya (grilled meat) perfume the air around every corner, competing with car exhaust and ocean salt. The Third Mainland Bridge connects you to Lagos Island and downtown in 30 minutes when traffic cooperates.
Tarkwa Bay beach offers weekend escapes just 20 minutes by boat from Falomo Marina. Local buses (danfo) provide cheap transport, though ride-hailing apps work better for visitors. The island buzzes until late with nightclubs and bars, but security can be inconsistent after midnight away from hotel areas.
Why Stay in Victoria Island
- Top restaurants serving Nigerian and international cuisine
- Business district with reliable power and internet
- Marina area with boat access to other parts of Lagos
Best Hotels in Lagos Victoria Island
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Lagos Continental Hotel — Award-winning 5-star with panoramic city views and fine dining restaurants.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Park Inn by Radisson, Lagos Victoria Island — Modern hotel with pool, fitness center and international breakfast options.
💶 Smart Budget
- Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel — Local favorite with included breakfast and convenient island location.
FAQ About Staying in Africa
Which areas are safest for solo travelers?
Cape Town V&A Waterfront and Cairo Zamalek offer the best security infrastructure. Stone Town stays relatively safe but avoid isolated alleys after dark. Lagos requires more caution—stick to Victoria Island’s hotel zone after evening hours. Travelers planning safaris often combine city stays with visits to wildlife hotspots like Okavango Delta, Kruger National Park, Zambezi River lodges, or South Luangwa National Park for a complete African adventure.
What’s the best season to visit these destinations?
Cape Town shines December-March (summer). Marrakech works best October-April to avoid extreme heat. Cairo and Lagos stay hot year-round, but December-February offers cooler weather. Zanzibar avoids heavy rains June-September and December-January.
How do transport and parking work in old city centers?
Marrakech medina and Stone Town ban cars entirely – pack light and expect to walk on uneven surfaces. Cape Town and Arusha offer parking, though spaces fill quickly near attractions. Lagos traffic requires patience and flexible timing.
Which areas get noisy at night?
Marrakech medina can be loud until late with street life and calls to prayer starting at dawn. Lagos Victoria Island has active nightlife. Cape Town V&A stays busy but manageable. Zanzibar and Arusha quiet down earlier.
Daily budget expectations by area?
Budget travelers: $30-50 (Arusha, Stone Town), Mid-range: $60-100 (Marrakech, Cairo), Higher-end: $100+ (Cape Town, Lagos). Food costs vary dramatically – street food starts at $2-5, restaurant meals $15-30.
